On Luu Thuc Kiem street in Trung Kenh commune, a tanker truck was moving when a boy, of kindergarten age, suddenly ran across the road. The driver braked sharply but could not stop in time, leading to a collision. Residents quickly helped remove the child from beneath the vehicle. The child's injuries are currently unknown.

Road safety experts state this collision highlights the danger of unsupervised children in roadside homes. Many houses are built close to the road and often have open doors, allowing children to run out and in, oblivious to traffic.

In this incident, the child emerged from a house, a blind spot for the tanker truck driver, running directly in front of the vehicle at close range. This limited distance and poor visibility made it difficult for the driver to avoid the collision, even at a relatively slow speed. A large vehicle like a tanker truck cannot maneuver as quickly as a passenger car, further increasing accident risk, even if the child was spotted.

Experts advise drivers on roads with houses close to the pavement to reduce speed, stay near the center line, and avoid the road shoulder. Drivers should also use their horn for blind spots and flash headlights if visibility is low at night.

The road section where the collision occurred, with houses close to the road. *Google Maps*

Crucially, adults must supervise young children, preventing them from running into the street alone. They should also teach children road safety skills early, such as looking both ways, using designated crossing areas, and waiting for safe signals, to minimize accidents.

Pham Hai